Former Congress MLA Prakash Behera joins BJP

New Delhi: Former Congress leader and Salepur MLA Prakash Behera today joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, party's national vice-president Baijayant 'Jay' Panda and other senior leaders at the party headquarters in New Delhi.

Earlier, Behera had resigned from the primary membership of Congress yesterday. In his resignation letter to AICC chief Rahul Gandhi, Behera stated that despite working for nearly 20 years for the Congress, he was neglected and humiliated by the party.

"While the whole country is moving forward towards development under the leadership of PM Modi, we have been lagging behind in Odisha. I have joined BJP with the belief of bringing about similar development in Odisha," said Behera.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said "Behera's inclusion will help the party to bring about 'change' in Odisha under PM Modi's leadership."

BJP's national vice-president Baijayant Panda said "Prakash Behera's joining is a tremendous strength not just for Cuttack & Kendrapara but for coastal Odisha. This will help us bring out the 'change' and governance in Odisha that we have seen at the national level under PM Modi which the State has been severely lagging. I welcome Prakash Behera to help bring about this 'parivartan' and help PM Modi get back to power in this election."

#BJP national vice-president Baijayant Panda says Prakash Behera's joining is a tremendous strength not just for Cuttack & Kendrapara but for coastal Odisha. This will help us bring out the change in #Odisha which we have been talking about #PrakashJoinsBJP #OdishaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/GxMvQ8OhS4

— OTV (@otvnews) March 17, 2019

Odisha BJP President Basant Panda said "Prakash Behera's joining the BJP will strengthen the party in coastal Odisha and will inspire the youth of the State to follow PM Modi dream of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."